Woman charged as critical incident investigation continues – Hunter Valley

A woman has been charged following a fatal police pursuit in the Hunter Valley over the weekend, as investigations continue.

Just before midnight on Saturday (6 September 2025), officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command attempted to stop a speeding Honda on the New England Highway at Aberdeen. When the driver allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated.

The vehicle crashed about 100m north of Makybe Diva Street, Scone, trapping the 14-year-old driver and a 17-year-old front-seat passenger. The 17-year-old died at the scene, while the driver and three passengers – two teenage boys and a 25-year-old woman – were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Inquiries revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen from a Wallsend business earlier that evening.

The 14-year-old driver has since been charged with multiple offences, including police pursuit, dangerous driving occasioning death, and aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death while escaping pursuit. He was granted bail to appear before a children’s court in October.

A 17-year-old male passenger was charged with being carried in a stolen vehicle and granted conditional bail, while a 14-year-old passenger will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

Following further inquiries, the 25-year-old woman was charged yesterday with being carried in a stolen vehicle. She was refused bail to appear before court today (10 September 2025).

A critical incident investigation under Strike Force Willgoyne is continuing, with the incident also subject to an independent review.